Not strictly a trade product but given that we love any products that can make you more productive we had to share this for any builders with babies out there.  For many new parents, there is only one guaranteed solution to putting their baby down at the end of the day – a night-time drive that soothes, calms and eventually …

Research from Centurion, the above-the-neck PPE specialist, has  revealed that style is the fourth major trigger for customers changing a helmet or brand, after cost, comfort, and change in company policy requirements. Renowned for its head protection systems, the global company conducted a survey of 250 wearers across UK organisations to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by the changing …

Wearer comfort is a key feature of the latest half mask from Scott Safety, the designer and manufacturer of respirators and personal protective equipment.  The AVIVA half mask, which is silicone-free but designed with silicone-like comfort, offers a reflex seal which allows the wearer added movement and flexibility, and a positive fit check button is built into the device which is …

Coldmac Limited has been fined after one of its workers suffered life-changing injuries to his hand which required surgical intervention.

A London based construction company has been fined for safety failings after complaints from the public. Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how Malik Contractors and Engineers Ltd were working at a site St John’s Way in Corringham, Essex in 2016 when concerned members of the public contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Malik Contractors and Engineers Ltd are the principal …

When it comes to making vital decisions regarding building work, women are twice as likely to have the final say on the style and scope of the project, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). In advance of Mother’s Day this Sunday, the FMB also asked female homeowners if they have ever carried out a range …

London startup Plentific.com, a growing home services marketplace, has announced a new feature that will allow customers to book home improvement jobs with just a few taps on their phone. This new service lets customers skip the process of searching for potential tradesmen, comparing quotes and haggling for a fair price just to book a minor home improvement job such …

Baxi is opening two new training facilities in 2017. The Crawley training centre, a partnership with Central Sussex College, opened in January and Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire, a standalone Baxi training centre, will open in March. Each will offer customers access to Baxi’s full range of comprehensive training courses. Designed using feedback from its customers, Baxi training includes hands-on sessions, insider …

Mira Showers is supporting the nation’s young installer talent by sponsoring this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition. The annual event, launched in 2009, represents an opportunity to recognise the hard work, ability and dedication of the next generation of installers. The regional heats offered apprentices across the country the chance to participate in a series of …

Skill Builder’s ‘Day in the life’ feature takes a look at a typical day in the life of different tradespeople. In this installment, we talk to the inspirational Kevin Skeith who, against all the odds, recovered from a serious motorcycle accident which threatened to leave him as a quadriplegic. He now runs a thriving flooring business and became Dickie’s UK …

The Government has made the right decision to row back on its plan to hike up National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said. Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, said: “At a time when we need to do everything we can to ensure economic stability, this would have been a destabilising tax increase which …

New  figures from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reveal that the UK construction industry could lose almost 200,000 EU workers post-Brexit should Britain lose access to the single market, putting some of the country’s biggest infrastructure and construction projects under threat. RICS has cautioned that for Brexit to succeed, it is essential to secure continued access to the …

The average British worker spends as many as 120 hours per year using their smartphones in the workplace, and those working in construction are among the highest users, according to new research. Research of 2,012 UK adults carried out by gadgets and technology etailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk, has revealed more than three quarters (78%) of construction workers admit to using their smartphones …

Gerber has introduced the Gerber Centre-Drive multi-tool which the company claims is a game-changing addition to its range designed for real life and heavy-duty work. The tool’s one-thumb opening design allows for quick deployment of the three full size tools that are depended on the most: pliers, blades, and screwdriver. The Centre-Drive introduces an extra-long 3.2 inch magnetic bit driver …

A freedom of information request by Unite, the union for construction workers, has uncovered that thousands of young people are being placed on so-called ‘dead-end’ classroom based construction courses. The figures obtained from the Government’s Skills Funding Agency, reveal the number of classroom based construction courses increased by 14 per cent last year, totally dwarfing the number of apprentices beginning …

A Bedfordshire based contractor has been fined after failing to carry out suitable assessment of asbestos removal work. Luton Magistrates Court heard how Anthony West was contracted to complete demolition work at a building in Biggleswade. West then had a pre-demolition asbestos survey carried out for the building. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had the demolition work reported to …

During National Apprenticeship Week, Hudson Contract urges more companies to support young talent through apprentice sponsorship schemes.

An Oldham based building firm has been fined for exposing its workers to dangerous work at height. An Inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued an immediate Prohibition Notice ordering Select Quality Homes Ltd to stop work at a site at Newmarket Road, Ashton under Lyne until workers had protection against falling from height. Manchester City Magistrates Court …